Hundreds of Canada goose deaths in Manitoba leave wildlife experts perplexed

Wildlife experts in Manitoba are trying to make sense of an unusually high number of Canada goose deaths across several communities this fall. While avian influenza is a known threat, researchers say the scale of mortality is surprising given that many birds have built up immunity since H5N1 first appeared in 2021. Warmer weather kept geese near open water longer than usual, concentrating flocks and accelerating the spread of disease just as food sources dwindled. Scientists are now investigating whether age, viral mutation, or co-infections played a role in the mystery die-offs. Brittany Hobson with The Canadian Press has the full story.

Brittany Hobson

The Canadian Press

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